Welcome to Cranmer’s Substack by Philip Crump - exploring politics, culture and law.
As a lawyer, I have spent the last 25 years with my head buried in the minutiae of contracts, oblivious to everything save for family and the superficiality of current events. I don’t know why but the time feels right to raise my gaze from the papers on my desk and take a closer look at the challenges that New Zealand faces.
Although I’m a political conservative I’ve never spent much time trying to categorise my political leanings in any great detail - maybe I’m a Red Tory or a reluctant conservative of the type described by Kingsley Amis, I really don’t know:
Growing older, I have lost the need to be political, which means, in this country, the need to be Left. I am driven into grudging toleration of the Conservative Party because it is the party of non-politics, of resistance to politics.
In my final year at secondary school I received the Headmaster’s Prize for Service. I was given a gift voucher and told that I could purchase any book that I wanted which would be presented to me by the Headmaster on Speech Day. For a long time I had forgotten about that book until I moved house a few years ago and found it. Fittingly, it was called An Incomplete Education. Hopefully this Substack will continue my incomplete education, deepen my knowledge of politics, culture and law, and help me understand the ever-changing forces that shape our country.
Whilst I do have some axes to grind, I am here to learn in a collaborative and enjoyable environment, not to preach.
Many lawyers are failed writers, so I apologise in advance if you occasionally feel like you’re reading a contract or legal opinion. Hopefully my writing will also improve!
Why subscribe?
In his Media Insider column, the New Zealand Herald’s Editor-at-Large, Shayne Currie wrote that Philip Crump has, “carved out a reputation as an agenda-setting writer”.
Described by the NBR in 2023 as:
One of the best commentators to have emerged on the media scene in the last year. First known under the pseudonym Thomas Cranmer, the financial and legally savvy Philip Crump attracted attention for his evisceration of the Three Waters fiasco. That was followed by equally trenchant criticisms of the hapless Labour Government in its death throes.
Subscribers to Cranmer’s Substack include many current and former politicians of different persuasions, journalists, expert commentators, academics and everyday New Zealanders who are interested in commentary and analysis on today’s key topics.
My articles have been republished by The Spectator and a number of popular blogs.
I’m currently a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and Board of New Zealand on Air. In accordance with the requirements of those roles I will be maintaining a politically neutral position. My articles are written solely in my personal capacity and do not reflect the views of any organisation with which I am affiliated.
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What are the benefits of a paid subscription?
Whilst the majority of my articles are free, I do publish some paid-only articles which provide additional, mostly personal, insight. Paid subscribers will also be able to comment on all articles and will have full access to the archive.
One month after publication, each free article will be archived and thereafter will only be available to paid subscribers.
You’ll also be supporting independent journalism.
Can I share your articles?
Yes! Please share my articles as far and as wide as you like, on whatever platform you prefer. Sharing is a great way to show your support, and I greatly appreciate the many times that readers have recommended Cranmer’s Substack to friends, family and colleagues.
Housekeeping
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To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this Substack, visit Substack.com.
